Research On Sakya Pandita's Theory Of The Differences Of The Three Laws And Instruments

Sakya Pandita is an important figure in Tibetan history, culture and even the history of Tibetan Buddhism. In his large number of Buddhist writings, the "A Clear Differentiation of the Three Codes" has an important influence and prominence in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. In this treatise, Span systematically expounded his views on the precepts of the three codes which are the Pratimoksa vows, Bodhisattva vows, Mantrayana vows and their correct observance, overall summed the various views on Buddhism emerged in Tibet since the late development period of Tibetan Buddhism, decided and refuted the merits of the various views and practice appeared in Kagyu, Nyingma, Kadam Buddhist sects and so on. Therefore, since its inception, this treatise had attracted much attention, mixed, endless disputes, had been the one of the most influential books in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. In modern times, the domestic academic's research on the Sakya Pandita has made remarkable achievements. Nevertheless, the current study focused on his life stories, political contribution, "Sakya motto", Buddhist logic, and so on, the studies on the three codes are still very limited. Most research involved in this treatise is only sporadic reference or translation, lack of systematic and comprehensive study. To solve this problem, I first conducted a special study on "A Clear Differentiation of the Three Codes". First, based on the premise of a complete translation of "A Clear Differentiation of the Three Codes", I present and interpret the basic concepts, main content and logical structure, ideological characteristics of chapters of this book. Secondly, on this basis, I analysis and examine the background and purpose of the writing, evaluate and consider its position and influence in the history of Tibetan Buddhism.This paper consists of two parts. The first part is interpretation and explanation of this text, the second part is translation and notes of this text. In first part, first, I discuss Sakya Pandita's life, learning, achievements and the structure, writing background and purpose of "A Clear Differentiation of the Three Codes". Secondly, I expound the main content of this text that are the Pratimoksa vows, Bodhisattva vows, Mantrayana vows and their correct observance, clarify the relationship between the three codes, track and discriminate the object and content criticized by Span in this treatise, and theoretically analysis Span's discipline thinking. Finally, I explore the characteristics of "A Clear Differentiation of the Three Codes", wholly and objectively evaluate and analyze its status and influence in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. In the second part, I translate the "A Clear Differentiation of the Three Codes", explain Buddhist concepts emerged in this treatise, and discriminate the relevant issues.The innovation of this paper are the following: firstly. For the first time, this paper specifically conducted a comprehensive and systematic study on the "A Clear Differentiation of the Three Codes", which embodies the Buddhist thought of Span, and clarified the characteristics of its outlook on Buddhist vows and ideology.secondly. Through the research of Span's "A Clear Differentiation of the Three Codes" and research related to historical facts, this paper presents the treatise is important in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. It provided a more rich historical information for understanding and studying Tibetan Buddhist vows and practice situation from the late development period of Tibetan Buddhism to 12-13 century.thridly. This paper analyzed and considered the causes and background of Span writing this thesis "A Clear Differentiation of the Three Codes" under the background of Tibetan Buddhism localization, presented that the all views, meditations and actions which were critical in this Span's treatise actually reflects the process in which, in the early late development period of Tibetan Buddhism, by localization and nationalization, the Tibetan Buddhism had got rid of the attachment to Indian Buddhism gradually, fall back onto the independent developing road; Tibetan monks began to elucidate Buddhist doctrines according to their own understanding and experience, starting out alone, thus, there were contending and flourishing conditions in the Tibetan Buddhism intellectual. The purpose of this Span's treatise is summarily combing and criticizing the above, in order to reform radically and return to orthodoxy.At last. For the first time, this paper translates Span's "A Clear Differentiation of the Three Codes" from Tibetan to Chinese, and makes comments and interpretation. This version is the domestic first Chinese full version of "A Clear Differentiation of the Three Codes", it can supply for the academic with ease to understand and research Span's vows ideology.